Some of the same people who helped make Keen footwear one of the hot brands shaping the footwear market are starting a new venture.

According to SportsOneSource, (subscription required) former Keen president Jim Van Dine, will launch Ahnu. Van Dine, a longtime Californian, left Keen when the company opted to move its headquarters to Portland. (Thanks, Ross Regis for the heads-up). The company expects to roll out water-sports shoes, performance footwear and other products in April.

The shoes are designed to be put on and taken off easily. As the vice president of marketing tells SportsOneSource:

"Intuitive technology and ease of use are expectations of consumers today. Whether you are hiking down a trail with fly rod in hand or going through airport security checkpoints, the ease of entry and adjustability of your footwear is important toconvenience and performance. The Ahnu point of difference is that this convenience will extend beyond casual footwear to performance shoes as well," stated Jacqueline Lenox, vice president of marketing.

Like more and more companies these days -- including Portland-based Keen and Nau -- Ahnu is looking for environmentally responsible materials and processes.

Another cool aspect? Seattle-based outdoor gear retailer REI is making an investment in Ahnu with this provision: "any profits REI may realize above its initial investment and related administrative costs will be donated to a non-profit that has aclear mission of introducing people into the outdoors and protecting natural lands. The non-profit will be mutually agreed upon by both companies," the story said.